Which is an accurate description of the thermal energy of an entire house when compared with the thermal energy of a small bedroom in that house at the same temperature?
A.
The total potential energy of the particles in a substance is its thermal energy. The particles in the entire house are more spread out, so it contains fewer particles than the bedroom. Therefore, it is the bedroom that has the greater thermal energy.
B.
The total potential energy of the particles in a substance is its thermal energy. The entire house is larger than the small bedroom, so it contains more particles. Therefore, the entire house has the greater thermal energy.
C.
The total kinetic energy of the particles in a substance is its thermal energy. The particles in the entire house are more spread out, so it contains fewer particles than the bedroom. Therefore, it is the bedroom that has the greater thermal energy.
D.
The total kinetic energy and potential energy of the particles in a substance is its thermal energy. The entire house is larger than the small bedroom, so it contains more particles. Therefore, the entire house has the greater thermal energy.